Community News
Chalk Talk
page 8
School News & Events, page 2 - 3
The Community Paper of Record
Vol. 56, No. 19
Serving the San Gabriel Valley Since 1966
September 18, 2019
State of the City: Mayor Quintero Optimistic About All Things El Monte
by Julie Carlson, Contributing Writer El Monte
Mayor Andre Quintero spoke to a crowd assembled in the Council Chambers at El Monte City Hall on Saturday, September 7. The event was the annual State of the City Address. “Not only will we keep you cool, [but], hopefully, a little informed, slightly entertained, and more importantly fed at very end of the presentation.” It was a another sweltering day, but residents, government representatives, and dignitaries were eager to hear his Address. The budget adoption process and approval had received a later start than expected. The budget, usually approved in July, was finally approved the week prior to the Address. For those not able to attend the presentation, it was streamed and archived on the city’s Facebook page. Councilmember Maria Morales, also a professor at Rio Hondo College, streamed the presentation for her political science class. Mayor Quintero introduced the new City Manager Alma Martinez. He mentioned how it takes time to form a new working relationship with new members of the council but they have been able to do it rather seamlessly. During his presentation, Mayor
Courtesy Photo
Quintero touched on six key areas: Leadership, a Safer Community, Eco-nomic Growth, City Improvement, Health and Wellness, and Educational Opportunities. “A budget is a blueprint for any community, for the state and the nation,” he said. “A blueprint for any organization.” The City-wide budget which includes Segregated Funds for sewer
and water (funds the City doesn’t use for General Funds) is a total of $183M. The General Fund revenues El Monte expects to generate next year are $76M. However, during the regular season, it’s usually down to around the $50M range. Highlights in the budget include Capital Improvement such as sidewalks, streets, sewers and water sys-tems. There is also an increase in
spending a considerable amount of money towards economic development growth to continuously attract new businesses. It was also mentioned that the Fire Service contact with L.A. County was approved. “Property tax we’re anticipating an increase,” Mayor Quintero said. “A sales tax decrease, utility usState of the City continued on page 15
New Art Exhibit at Citrus College Aims to Inspire Students
by M. Utsuki, Citrus College, Contributing Writer San Gabriel Valley
An exciting new art exhibition that explores themes of inspiration and diversity held its opening reception on Sept. 11 in the Citrus College Visual Arts Building Art Gallery. “Under the Influence,” sponsored by the Citrus College Foundation, features pieces created by 21 Citrus College art instructors and includes media ranging from ceramics to digital storytelling. According to Dyane Duffy, the Citrus College faculty member who organized the show, the goal is to inspire current Citrus College students to produce their own works of art. “Our students hail from a variety of backgrounds, and they each have incredibly moving and unique stories to share,” Ms. Duffy said. “We hope that, by displaying pieces their
instructors were inspired to make, they too would come under the influence of inspiration.” Following the opening, guests attended a presentation by three of the artists in the Visual Arts Building. The featured artists discussed their work before opening the presentation to a question and answer session. Those who were unable to attend the reception can visit the exhibit until Thursday, Oct. 3, by appointment or from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. “This institution has a robust and prolific visual arts program,” said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. “Cultural events, such as ‘Under the Influence,’ afford the Citrus College community the opportunity to highlight its
Photo Courtesy Citrus College Art continued on page 16